First Time - Overnight Camp

Sooo, I admit it.  I am a first time mom when sending my child to overnight camp.  I never went to overnight camp, so I don’t have first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be a first time camper.  However, yesterday was a great first experience.  I had NOT slept the night before at ALL.  I was worried.  All of the what happens if. . . . stories were playing over and over in my head.  I was up early, because I could not sleep.

Mr. M and I loaded up the minivan – in total we had two large duffle bags, one large banana bag (comforter, pillow and egg crate), shower caddy and three small plastic shoe boxes and a backpack.  And we were OFF.  Mr. M read the directions to me and we found CYJ with no problems!  (I have already written lots of letters, including one that complements him with his ability to be a great navigator).  We parked and got into line.  We got his bunk assignment, and then waited in the lice line (and passed).  We then went and drove the car to the bunk.  His counselors helped unload the car (really helpful); and then helped him while I moved the car back to the lot, and walked back. 

After a few minutes of unpacking, making the bed, I had to say goodbye.  I thought I was doing just fine.  I gave Mr. M a hug, and started walking out. . . . turned back to see him and his bunkmate with HUGE smiles on their faces.

I walked quickly to the car, hoping not to burst into tears.  Wayne, from Temple Emanuel, was kind enough to give me a few kind words. . . .  but really, I just wanted to hop into the minivan.  My baby was GROWN UP.  He was doing this WITHOUT me.  And from all appearances, he was going to be FINE!  I collected my thoughts, and started to drive. . . .

And then listened to a voicemail from a friend. . . . who left me such a wonderful voicemail, that I started to cry again!

Can’t wait for the first letter!

The Goldenrod - York, ME

Yesterday, was a sunny day . . . . until we got on 95N to head to Maine.  The temperature never really warmed up, and there were LOTS of clouds.  More clouds than what we had expected.  While eager to go to York's Wild Animal Kingdom, I was more excited to go to the Goldenrod.

Back when I was young, once a year, my parents would drive us to York, ME.  Usually on a Wednesday, which was my dad's day off.  We would leave early and get to the animal park as it opened.  We walked around. . . . did some rides.  Had a good time.  We would bring our own picnic lunch.  First in an old soft sided cooler, and later in a Playmate Cooler.  The story told was that if we ate our picnic lunch then we could have ice cream at the The Goldenrod.  A restaurant that has survived.  It opened in 1896!  Of course, the bathroom, located on the second floor, must have been the first bathroom EVER in York, Maine.  I remember climbing the stairs as a child, and sitting in a cold, cold room, with cold, cold water.  Yesterday's visit did NOT include a visit to the bathroom.

Yesterday's visit included Naomi getting a smoothie (strawberry banana), Adam getting a strawberry smoothie, Mark getting a malted frappe with mocha ice cream, and me getting a penuche sundae (yum).  No visit is complete without candy.  Our house is a taffy free home, but we did pick up two pounds for my parents.  We did score some molasses sponge candy and other tasty treats.